CN103512632A - Pulsed level gauge system with temperature-based control of pulse repetition frequency - Google Patents

Pulsed level gauge system with temperature-based control of pulse repetition frequency Download PDF

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Publication number
CN103512632A
CN103512632A CN201210352864.0A CN201210352864A CN103512632A CN 103512632 A CN103512632 A CN 103512632A CN 201210352864 A CN201210352864 A CN 201210352864A CN 103512632 A CN103512632 A CN 103512632A
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pulse
signal
frequency
repetition rate
level meter
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CN103512632B (en
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莱夫·尼尔森
哈坎·德林
哈坎·尼贝里
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Rosemount Tank Radar AB
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Rosemount Tank Radar AB
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4004—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system
    • G01S7/4008—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of transmitters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of controlling a pulsed radar level gauge system. The method comprises the following steps of: acquiring a signal indicative of a present operating temperature; determining an initial frequency control parameter for control of at least one of transmission signal generating circuitry and reference signal generating circuitry based on the present operating temperature and a plurality of data sets each comprising data indicative of a previous operating temperature and a previously determined frequency control parameter for the previous operating temperature; and controlling, starting from the initial frequency control parameter, at least one of the transmission signal generating circuitry and the reference signal generating circuitry to achieve the known frequency difference between the first pulse repetition frequency and the second pulse repetition frequency at the present operating temperature.

Description

Pulse level meter system based on temperature gating pulse repetition frequency
Technical field
The present invention relates to pulse level meter system, and relate to the method for controlling such pulse level meter system.
Background technology
Radar levelmeter (RLG) system is widely used in the work loading height (filling level) of determining the product holding in storage bin.Normally, with non-cpntact measurement (whereby to the product electromagnetic radiation signal being contained in storage bin) or with contact measurement (be commonly referred to guided wave radar (GWR), whereby the probe guiding electromagnetic signal by serving as waveguide towards and enter product) carry out radar level measurement.Probe be conventionally arranged to from top to the bottom vertical of storage bin extend.Probe can also be disposed in measuring tube (so-called chamber), and this measuring tube is connected to the outer wall of storage bin and is connected with storage bin internal flow.
The electromagnetic signal of transmitting reflects on the surface of product, and receives by receiver or the transceiver being included in radar level gauge system the signal reflecting.Based on transmitting and signal that receive, can determine the surperficial distance of product.
More specifically, the air of the surperficial distance ，Gai interface of conventionally determining product based on the time between electromagnetic signal and the reflection of receiving electromagnetic signals on interface of sending in storage bin and being contained between the product in storage bin.In order to determine the actual work loading height of product, the velocity of propagation based on above-mentioned time (so-called journey time) and electromagnetic signal is determined the surperficial distance from reference position to product.
Most radar levelmeters or the so-called pulse radar material level meter systems sold now, this system based on transmitted and received pulse the mistiming between the lip-deep reflection of product determine the surperficial distance of the product holding in storage bin; Or the FM signal based on sent and the difference of FM signal in frequency between the lip-deep reflected signal of product are determined the system of surperficial distance.The system of latter one type is commonly referred to FMCW(Continuous Wave with frequency modulation) type.
For pulse radar material level meter systems, expansion service time (time expansion) technology solves journey time conventionally.
Such pulse radar material level meter systems can have the first oscillator and the second oscillator, the first oscillator for generate for to be contained in storage bin product surperficial transmission, by thering is transponder pulse repetition frequency f tthe signal transmission of pulse shaping, this pulse; The second oscillator is for generating by having reference pulse repetition frequency f refthe reference signal that forms of reference pulse, this reference pulse repetition frequency f refwith known difference on the frequency Δ f, be different from transponder pulse repetition frequency.This difference on the frequency Δ f is typically in the scope of several Hz or tens Hz.
Measuring scanning while starting, signal transmission and reference signal are synchronous to have identical phase place.Due to difference on the frequency Δ f, the phase place difference between measurement scan period signal transmission and reference signal will increase gradually.
Measuring scan period, the lip-deep reflected signal reflecting to form of the product in being contained in storage bin by signal transmission is associated with reference signal, so that only produce output signal when reflected impulse and reference pulse occur simultaneously.From starting to measure to scan, occur that the output signal that the correlativity by reflected signal and reference signal causes is other measurement of phase differential between transmitted signal and reflected signal, this measurement is that the temporal extension of journey time of the pulse of reflection is measured conversely, can determine the surperficial distance of the product being contained in storage bin according to this measurement.
Because the precision of the difference on the frequency Δ f between signal transmission and reference signal is important for the performance of pulse radar material level meter systems, so can control second (and/or first) oscillator by regulator, this regulator monitoring difference on the frequency Δ f and control at least one in the first and second oscillators to realize known and enough to approach the difference on the frequency Δ f expecting desdifference on the frequency, the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation desit is the design of paired pulses radar level gauge system.
For stable adjusting is provided, regulator may need the sampling of the difference on the frequency Δ f of the individual magnitude of hundreds of, due to the value less (expectation reaches time enough expansion) of temporal extension difference on the frequency Δ f, so this is sampled, the corresponding duration may be grown to 20-30 second.
Therefore, current obtainable pulse radar material level meter systems may be powered a very long time before actual work loading height measurement can start.
US 7 412 337 discloses to be intended to reduce and has controlled the first and/or second oscillator with the difference on the frequency Δ f of the realization expectation method of required time.According in the method for US 7 412 337, determine the gradient between at least two control variable (difference frequency number strong point), and based on gradient and difference frequency, determine the operating point of controlling and adjust control algolithm.Yet according to the method for US 7 412 337 relative complex and loaded down with trivial details that seems, and be used for controlling the needed time and have further improved space about reducing.
Summary of the invention
Consider the above, general object of the present invention is to provide improved pulse radar material level meter systems and method, and particularly provides a kind of and can carry out work loading height definite pulse radar material level meter systems and method more energy-conservationly.
According to a first aspect of the invention, therefore a kind of method of gating pulse level meter system is provided, this pulse level meter system comprises: signal transmission generative circuit, and for generating the electromagnetic transmission signal of the first pulse train form, the first pulse train has the first pulse repetition rate; Transmission device, is connected to signal transmission generative circuit, and is arranged to the surface of the product holding, propagate electromagnetic transmission signal in storage bin, and returns to the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal being caused in the lip-deep reflection of product by electromagnetic transmission signal; Reference signal generative circuit, for generating the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal of the second pulse train form, the second pulse train has the second pulse repetition rate; And treatment circuit, for the known difference on the frequency based between ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, electromagnetism reference signal and the first pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate, the work loading height of determining product, wherein method comprises the following steps: obtain the signal that represents current operation temperature; Operating temperature based on current and a plurality of data set, at least one the original frequency that is identified for controlling in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit is controlled parameter, and each data set of a plurality of data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of prior operation temperature; And from original frequency is controlled parameter, control at least one in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit, to realize the known difference on the frequency between the first pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate at current operation temperature.
When initial frequency control parameter has caused enough approaching the difference on the frequency of difference on the frequency of expectation, at least one that control in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit can relate to simply and with original frequency, control parameter and control signal transmission generative circuit and/or reference signal generative circuit to realize the step of known difference on the frequency.If determine that the difference on the frequency (known difference on the frequency) causing is only slightly different with the difference on the frequency of expectation, can compensate by treatment circuit.
The present invention is based on following understanding: it is not constant controlling signal transmission generative circuit and/or reference signal generative circuit enough approach the difference on the frequency of the expectation time that difference on the frequency was spent to realize, but difference between original frequency control parameter when depending on the frequency control parameter (such as voltage) of the difference on the frequency that causes expectation and control procedure and starting.Normally, if controlling parameter with original frequency compares away from " finally " frequency control parameter, if original frequency is controlled parameter and approached " finally " frequency control parameter (causing enough approaching the poor frequency control parameter of given frequency of the difference on the frequency of expectation), control procedure will spend the less time.
The inventor further recognizes, for pulse level meter system, above-described " finally " frequency control parameter mainly depends on the operating temperature of signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit and changes, and if checked current operation temperature and depended on current operation temperature and selected original frequency to control parameter, can shorten in a large number the time of the difference on the frequency of realizing expectation.
The difference on the frequency whether difference on the frequency enough approaches expectation will depend on system, depend on particularly the design of bandpass filter etc.If system designer is thought, near the difference on the frequency of expectation, in a certain scope, can realize the acceptable measurement performance of specific device, the value of the difference on the frequency within the scope of this enough approaches the difference on the frequency of expectation.
Therefore, can realize the control of comparing more effective difference frequency with previously possible control, this means that can shorten in a large number electric pulse level meter system rises from power on until can carry out definite time of reliable work loading height.Because can use the discontinuity operation with shorter activation cycle, so this provides more energy-conservation pulse level meter system conversely.This is particularly useful for battery powered pulse level meter system, and longer battery life and/or higher renewal rate can be provided.
Current operation temperature can advantageously become the current operation temperature of the parts of the level meter system that comprises signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit.
For example can determine original frequency control parameter by being chosen in the immediate coupling of data centralization of storage.As an alternative, can by interpolation or extrapolation, determine original frequency control parameter with stored data set.
According to various embodiments of the present invention, the method can also comprise the step of stored data sets, and this data set comprises and represents current operation temperature and for the data of the current frequency control parameter of current operation temperature.
In these embodiments, pulse level meter system is self learning system, and this system can little by little be set up the more excellent database of operating temperature and corresponding frequency control parameter, and this corresponding frequency control parameter causes the predetermined difference on the frequency under corresponding operating temperature.This provides the start-up time of the pulse level meter system reducing gradually, and it causes the energy efficiency of further improving conversely as mentioned above.
As an alternative, or extraly, pulse level meter system aborning or is subsequently carried out temperature in installing and is characterized.In order to carry out such temperature, characterize, the operating temperature of pulse level meter system (at least signal transmission generative circuit and/or reference signal generative circuit) can change in the set of operating temperature, and storage for each operating temperature of operating temperature set frequency control parameter and corresponding operating temperature
By such thermometer the pre-stored of data set of seeking peace, along with the installation of pulse level meter system, pulse level meter system has directly had the start-up time of desirable shortening.
According to various embodiment of the present invention, at least one in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit can comprise voltage-controlled oscillator, and then frequency control parameter can be to provide the control voltage to voltage-controlled oscillator.
The method according to this invention can also comprise the step of the poor definite work loading height of given frequency based between ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, electromagnetism reference signal and the first pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate.Use known difference on the frequency, can service time expansion technique determine electromagnetic transmission signal to surface and the journey time of returning.Such technology itself is known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
According to a second aspect of the invention, provide for determining the pulse level meter system of the work loading height of the product that is contained in storage bin, this pulse level meter system comprises: signal transmission generative circuit, for generating the electromagnetic transmission signal of the first pulse train form, the first pulse train has the first pulse repetition rate, transmission device, is connected to signal transmission generative circuit, and is arranged to the surface of the product holding, propagate electromagnetic transmission signal in storage bin, and returns to the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal being caused in the lip-deep reflection of product by electromagnetic transmission signal, reference signal generative circuit, for generating the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal of the second pulse train form, the second pulse train has the second pulse repetition rate, treatment circuit, be used for based on ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, electromagnetism reference signal, and the first known difference on the frequency between pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate, determine the work loading height of product, and frequency control circuit, for controlling at least one of signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit, poor with the given frequency realizing between the first pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate, wherein pulse level meter system also comprises: storer, be used for storing a plurality of data sets, each data set of a plurality of data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of prior operation temperature, and temperature sensor, for the signal of the current operation temperature of indicating impulse level meter system is provided.
Transmission device can be any device that can propagate electromagnetic signal, comprises transmission line probe, waveguide and various types of radiating antenna such as horn antenna, parabolic antenna, bar antenna, array antenna etc.
It should be noted that treatment circuit and frequency control circuit may be implemented as one or several and be included in the microprocessor in pulse level meter.Treatment circuit, frequency control circuit, storer and temperature sensor may be implemented as independent microprocessor or are implemented as the integrated function in single microprocessor or circuit board.
Storage bin can be any container or vessel that can hold product, and can be metal, or partly or wholly nonmetallic, opens wide, partly open wide, or sealing.And, can to the product transmitting signal in storage bin, directly determine the work loading height that is contained in the product in storage bin by layout transmission device, or by arrange transmission device definite work loading height that is contained in the product in storage bin indirectly in so-called chamber, wherein but so-called chamber is positioned at storage bin outside is connected with storage bin internal flow, makes by this way the height of inside, chamber corresponding to the height in storage bin.
Any in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit or both can comprise voltage-controlled pierce circuit, and this circuit can comprise crystal oscillator pipe.As an alternative, any in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit or both can comprise the resonator element being formed by electronic circuit, and this circuit comprises the parts with inductance characteristic and the parts with capacitance characteristic.
Pulse level meter system can comprise the metering circuit that is configured to form the measuring-signal that comprises a sequential value extraly, and each value represents the temporal correlation between electromagnetism reference signal and the pulse of ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal.This metering circuit for example can comprise mixer, and can pass through hybrid electromagnetic reference signal and ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal formation measuring-signal, so that whenever reference burst signal generates the pulse that represents temporal correlation when for the time domain of ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal.This pulse can be offered to sampling hold circuit to form continuous signal.
Temperature sensor can be any sensor that can be used for the operating temperature of detected transmission signal generating circuit and/or reference signal generative circuit.The signal providing by temperature sensor can be electric signal for example, such as curtage of temperature dependent etc.
According to various embodiment of the present invention, treatment circuit can also be configured to obtain from temperature sensor the signal that represents current operation temperature; Based on current operation temperature be stored in a plurality of data sets in storer and determine that at least one the original frequency in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit controls parameter, wherein each of data centralization comprises the data that represent prior operation temperature and previously definite frequency control parameter, and the data of previously definite frequency control parameter cause enough approaching the difference on the frequency of the difference on the frequency of expecting between the first pulse repetition rate under previous operating temperature and the second pulse repetition rate; And controlled frequency control circuit, to use original frequency to control parameter, start frequency control circuit at least one the control in described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit.
In the application's context, frequency control circuit is controlled parameter " startup " with original frequency, and it is appreciated that at least one the control in signal transmission generative circuit and reference signal generative circuit, and meaning provides by frequency control circuit that to the first frequency of signal transmission generative circuit and/or reference signal generative circuit, to control parameter be that original frequency is controlled parameter.Original frequency is controlled parameter and will be caused original frequency poor, and original frequency is poor can be less than or greater than predetermined difference on the frequency.If desired, frequency control circuit is controlled parameter by the difference based between the poor and predetermined difference on the frequency of original frequency according to for example appointing suitable closed-loop control system configuration to continue Modification Frequency.
According to some embodiment, for the storer of storing mass data collection, can comprise the memory area that comprises a plurality of data sets that prestore, each data set of the data centralization prestoring comprises and represents previous operating temperature and for the data of the previously definite control parameter of prior operation temperature.Memory area can be non-volatile memory, such as flash memory region.
As an alternative, or extraly, memory area can comprise the memory area that can write, and treatment circuit can also be configured to stored data sets in the memory area that can write, this data set comprises the data that represent Current Temperatures and cause the current frequency control parameter of the known difference on the frequency between the first pulse repetition rate and the second pulse repetition rate at current operation temperature.
And pulse level meter system can also advantageously comprise local energy storer to provide electric energy to the operation of level meter system.Local energy storer can advantageously comprise for example battery and/or ultracapacitor.
And pulse level meter system can also comprise for the radio communication circuit with remote system radio communication, such as wireless set.
The further effect of a second aspect of the present invention and feature are similar to a great extent in conjunction with a first aspect of the present invention these effects described above and feature.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Accompanying drawing with reference to exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, will describe these and other aspect of the present invention in detail.
Fig. 1 schematically shows the pulse level meter system that is arranged to the work loading height of definite storage bin according to embodiments of the invention;
Fig. 2 schematically shows the drive scheme for the operation of the discontinuity of the level meter system at Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is the block diagram of the signal of the pulse level meter system in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is the figure that the temperature dependence of the example between frequency control parameter and difference on the frequency is schematically shown;
Fig. 5 is the form of set that has corresponding operating temperature and cause the control parameter of predetermined difference on the frequency under corresponding operating temperature;
Fig. 6 summarizes the process flow diagram of method according to an embodiment of the invention.
Embodiment
In detailed description of the present invention, mainly with reference to the pulse radar material level meter systems of noncontact type, discuss according to the different embodiment of level meter system of the present invention, in the pulse radar material level meter systems of noncontact type, use the transmission device of radiating antenna (such as conical antenna, horn antenna, array antenna or paster antenna) form to propagate electromagnetic signal to the product being contained in storage bin.
It should be noted that, this does not limit the scope of the invention, and it can be applied to use pulse guided wave radar (GWR) the level meter system of the transmitting device of transmission line probe form (such as single line probe (comprising so-called Goubau probe), double lead probe, coaxial probe etc.) equally.
Fig. 1 schematically show be disposed in storage bin 2 top for using microwave to determine the level meter system 1 of the work loading height of the product 3 that is contained in storage bin 2.Level meter system 1 is therefore hereinafter referred to as radar level gauge system or RLG-system.
Radar level gauge system 1 comprises measuring unit 5, for propagating the transmission device (form at this with horn antenna 6) of microwaves to the surface 7 that is contained in the product 3 of storage bin 2 and for allowing the communication antenna 8 with remote-control device radio communication.
When measurement is contained in the work loading height of the product 3 in storage bin 2, radar level gauge system 1 is the surface 7 transmitting electromagnetic propagation signal S to product 3 by horn antenna 6 t, wherein this signal is reflected as surface echo signal S r.Then based on surface echo signal S rjourney time (7 then returning to surface from radar levelmeter apparatus system 1) determine in the reference position at top of storage bin 2 and the distance the surface 7 of product 3.According to the size of this distance and known storage bin 2, can extrapolate work loading height.
Although it should be noted that at this storage bin 2 that holds single product 3 has been discussed, can measure the distance that is present in any material interface in storage bin 2 by similar mode.
As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, the level meter system 1 of example is configured to use Wireless Data Transmission to communicate by letter with external device (ED) (such as remote control center).Because may conventionally represent the sizable part for the cost of installation material position meter systems for the coil of communicating by letter, therefore for different devices, this may be favourable.The level meter system that is configured for radio communication may need to receive the electric power from local energy storer (such as battery etc.) conventionally.In order to reduce the maintenance cost of level meter system 1, the life-span of battery should be long as much as possible, preferably the magnitude of several years, for example this means importantly, in the situation that do not endanger the level meter system 1 that the performance (ability of the change in degree of accuracy and monitoring storage bin 2) of level meter 1 is designed for low-down average energy consumption.
Widely used scheme is illustratively shown in Fig. 2, and this scheme is for the treatment of the very important situation of average energy consumption wherein.As shown in FIG. 2, work loading height determines that event 9a-c is discrete in time, and at these work loading heights, determine between event 9a-c, level meter system 1, in sleep pattern, can be closed for the parts of definite work loading height level meter system in sleep pattern.This scheme is commonly called discontinuity operation, and work loading height is determined the time t between event udefine renewal frequency.
For pulse level meter system, different aspect of the present invention provides the work loading height of comparing shortening with existing pulse level meter system to determine the interval of event 9a-c.
This describes in further detail and describes with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6.
Fig. 3 is the block diagram of the functional module in the level meter system in the schematically illustrated Fig. 1 of being included in.The level meter system 1 of example comprises transmitter branches and receiver branch road.
Transmitter branches comprises signal transmission generative circuit, and at this, with transmission pulse maker 10 and YiRF source 11, and the form of emitting antenna 12 provides.Receiver branch road comprises that reference signal provides circuit, and the form at this with reference pulse maker 14 and ErRF source 15, metering circuit 16 and receiving antenna 17 provides.Receiver branch road also comprises low noise amplifier 18, for amplifying the signal receiving by receiving antenna 17.
In transmitter branch road, the transmission pulse providing by transmission pulse maker 10 is modulated the microwave generating by YiRF source 11, makes to form the signal transmission S of pulse train (short microwave energy bag) form t, and surface 7 radiation to product by emitting antenna 12.
By receiving antenna 17, receive reflected signal S rand in low noise amplifier 18, amplified subsequently, be then transported to metering circuit 16.Also to metering circuit 16, provide reference signal S rEF, reference signal S rEFbe by reference pulse maker 14 as above and ErRF source 15, form for the S that transmits tgeneration.
Transponder pulse maker 10 and reference pulse maker 14 generate has the poor pulse of pulse repetition rate slightly.Difference on the frequency Δ f between transmission pulse repetition frequency and reference pulse repetition frequency can be the magnitude of several Hz or tens Hz.
In metering circuit 16, reference signal S rEFwith reflected signal S rthe measuring-signal S with formation time expansion of time correlation m, this signal is provided to microprocessor (μ P) 20, in microprocessor 20 based on measuring-signal S mdetermine the distance on the surface 7 of product.
Metering circuit 16 can for example comprise mixer and sample/hold amplifier, but can realize with the known alternate manner of those skilled in that art.For example, sample/hold amplifier can be configured to by using reference signal S rEFcontrol sampling switch and realize temporal correlation.
Signal transmission S when measuring scanning beginning tpulse and reference signal S rEFpulse same-phase advantageously so that at reference signal S rEFwith reflected signal S rbetween exist time and known difference on the frequency Δ f before correlativity can be used as determining reflected signal S rjourney time.Then use journey time to determine work loading height.
As seen in fig. 3, level meter system 1 also comprises frequency control circuit 21, it is connected to microprocessor 20, and be connected to transmission pulse maker 10 and reference pulse maker 14, to control at least one the pulse repetition rate in transmission pulse maker 10 and reference pulse maker 14.
Pulse level meter system 1 also comprises storer (MEM) 23 and temperature sensor (Temp) 24, is both connected to microprocessor 20.
In pulse level meter system 1, (this system expansion technique service time is with formation time expansion measuring-signal S maccording to this signal, can determine as mentioned above work loading height), importantly by frequency control circuit 21, control at least one in transmission pulse makers 10 and reference signal generator 14 at least to determine at each work loading height the difference on the frequency Δ f that realizes expectation before event 9a-c starts.
As described at foregoing invention content part, find that for this, controlling needed Time Dependent controls the difference between parameter and " finally " frequency control parameter in original frequency, " finally " frequency control parameter causes enough approaching the difference on the frequency of the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation.Yet " finally " frequency control parameter will depend on the current operation temperature (the particularly current operation temperature of transmission pulse maker 10 and reference pulse maker 14) of pulse level meter system 1.
With reference to Fig. 4, by the relation discussing in more detail below between operating temperature and frequency control parameter, Fig. 4 is the temperature dependent figure that the difference on the frequency of the pulse level meter system of schematically illustrated example is controlled.
As seen in fig. 4, Figure 30 comprises the first curve 31, the second curve 32 and the 3rd curve 33.The first curve 31 representatives are at the first operating temperature T 1lower frequency is controlled the transmission pulse repetition frequency P of V parameter (when supposition provides constant control voltage to transmission pulse maker 10, offering the control voltage of reference pulse maker 14) and transmission pulse maker 10 rFTreference pulse repetition frequency PRF with reference pulse maker 14 refbetween difference on the frequency Δ f between relation.The second curve 32 and the 3rd curve 33 represent respectively for the second temperature T 2with the 3rd temperature T 3identical relation.The second temperature T 2higher than the first temperature T 1, and the 3rd temperature T 3higher than the second temperature T 2.
As shown in FIG. 4, different control voltage V 1-V 3will cause for different operating temperature T 1-T 3the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation des.
As shown in Fig. 5 schematically, each operating temperature T 1-T 3and corresponding frequency control parameter (is in this case controlled voltage V 1-V 3) be used as in the storer 23 that data set is stored in pulse level meter system 1.As the process flow diagram referring in Fig. 6 is further described, at least, when each work loading height determines that event 9a-c starts, these data sets are used in various embodiment of the present invention to reduce the difference on the frequency Δ f that reaches expectation desthe needed time.
The embodiment of the method according to this invention is described now with reference to the process flow diagram in Fig. 6 and Fig. 3 and Fig. 5.
With reference to Fig. 6, in first step 100, microprocessor 20 obtains and represents current operation temperature T from temperature sensor 24 presentsignal.
Based on current operation temperature T presentthe data set of storing of mentioning in conjunction with Fig. 5 is above determined original frequency control parameter by microprocessor 20 in step 101, and at this original frequency, controlling parameter is the initial control voltage V of the VCO for comprising at reference pulse maker 14 initial.For example,, if compare T with any other temperature in form presentmore approach the T in Fig. 5 form 2, can use corresponding control voltage V 2as V initial.As an alternative, can use the interpolation of a certain form.In the simplest situation, if T presentat T 1and T 2between, can determine V according to following relation initial:
V initial=((V 2-V 1)/(T 2-T 1))*T present.
Certainly, other and more ripe approximation method among the limit of power of one of ordinary skill in the art.
Subsequently, by microprocessor, expression definite in step 101 is initially controlled to voltage V initialsignal offer frequency control circuit 21, control circuit 21 in step 102 from initial control voltage V initialstart to control reference pulse maker 14 to realize the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation.
When having reached the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation, except the data set in storer 23 Already in, in step 103, in storer 23, storage causes the current operation temperature T of the difference on the frequency Δ f of expectation presentwith control voltage V presentas other data set.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not restricted to above-mentioned preferred embodiment.On the contrary, many modifications and modification can be within the scope of appended claims, for example for controlling the control voltage of reference pulse maker 14, can remain unchanged, and the control voltage for transmission pulse maker 10 can be controlled, or for both control voltage of transmission pulse maker 10 and reference pulse maker 14, can be controlled to realize the difference on the frequency of expectation.

Claims (11)

1. a method for gating pulse level meter system, described pulse level meter system comprises:
Signal transmission generative circuit, for generating the electromagnetic transmission signal of the first pulse train form, described the first pulse train has the first pulse repetition rate;
Transmission device, be connected to described signal transmission generative circuit, and be arranged to the surface of the product holding, propagate described electromagnetic transmission signal in storage bin, and return to the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal being caused in the described lip-deep reflection of described product by described electromagnetic transmission signal;
Reference signal generative circuit, for generating the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal of the second pulse train form, described the second pulse train has the second pulse repetition rate; And
Treatment circuit, for the known difference on the frequency based between described ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, described electromagnetism reference signal and described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate, determines the work loading height of described product,
Wherein said method comprises the following steps:
Obtain the signal that represents current operation temperature;
Based on described current operating temperature and a plurality of data set, at least one the original frequency that is identified for controlling in described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit is controlled parameter, and each data set of described a plurality of data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of described prior operation temperature; And
From described original frequency is controlled parameter, control at least one in described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit, to realize the described known difference on the frequency between described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate at described current operation temperature.
2. method according to claim 1, wherein said method is further comprising the steps of:
Stored data sets, described data set comprises the data that represent described current operation temperature and current frequency control parameter, and described current frequency control parameter causes the described known difference on the frequency between described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate at described current operation temperature.
3. method according to claim 1 and 2, at least one in wherein said signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit comprises voltage-controlled oscillator, and described frequency control parameter is the control voltage that described voltage-controlled oscillator is provided.
4. method according to claim 1 and 2, wherein said method is further comprising the steps of:
Described known difference on the frequency based between described ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, described electromagnetism reference signal and described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate, determines described work loading height.
5. for determining a pulse level meter system for the work loading height of the product holding at storage bin, described pulse level meter system comprises:
Signal transmission generative circuit, for generating the electromagnetic transmission signal of the first pulse train form, described the first pulse train has the first pulse repetition rate;
Transmission device, be connected to described signal transmission generative circuit, and be arranged to the surface of the product holding, propagate described electromagnetic transmission signal in storage bin, and return to the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal being caused in the described lip-deep reflection of described product by described electromagnetic transmission signal;
Reference signal generative circuit, for generating the ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal of the second pulse train form, described the second pulse train has the second pulse repetition rate;
Treatment circuit, for the known difference on the frequency based between described ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, described electromagnetism reference signal and described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate, determines the work loading height of described product, and
Frequency control circuit, for controlling at least one of described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit, to realize the described known difference on the frequency between described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate,
Wherein said pulse level meter system also comprises:
Storer, for storing a plurality of data sets, each data set of described a plurality of data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of described prior operation temperature; And
Temperature sensor, for providing the signal of the current operation temperature that represents described pulse level meter system.
6. pulse level meter system according to claim 5, wherein said treatment circuit is also configured to:
From described temperature sensor, obtain the signal that represents described current operation temperature;
Based on described current operation temperature be stored in a plurality of data sets in described storer, determine that at least one the original frequency in described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit controls parameter, each data set of described a plurality of data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of described prior operation temperature; And
Control described frequency control circuit, to use described original frequency to control parameter, start described frequency control circuit at least one the control in described signal transmission generative circuit and described reference signal generative circuit.
7. according to the pulse level meter system described in claim 5 or 6, wherein said storer comprises the memory area that comprises a plurality of pre-stored data sets, and each data set of described a plurality of pre-stored data centralizations comprises and represents prior operation temperature and for the data of the previously definite frequency control parameter of described prior operation temperature.
8. according to the pulse level meter system described in claim 5 or 6,
Wherein said storer comprises writable memory region, and
Wherein said treatment circuit is also configured to stored data sets in described writable memory region, described data set comprises the data that represent described Current Temperatures and current frequency control parameter, and described current frequency control parameter causes the described known difference on the frequency between described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate at described current operation temperature.
9. according to the pulse level meter system described in claim 5 or 6, wherein said treatment circuit is also configured to the described known difference on the frequency based between described ELECTROMAGNETIC REFLECTION signal, described electromagnetism reference signal and described the first pulse repetition rate and described the second pulse repetition rate, determines described work loading height.
10. according to the pulse level meter system described in claim 5 or 6, wherein said pulse level meter system also comprises local energy storer, and local energy storer is used to the operation of described level meter system that electric energy is provided.
11. according to the pulse level meter system described in claim 5 or 6, and wherein said pulse level meter system also comprises for the radio communication circuit with remote system radio communication.
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